Socratic Circle Reflection

Instructions
After each of our Socratic circle, you will be responsible for turning in a one-to-two page, single-
spaced, typed reflection on the experience. This reflection will be comprised of two sections: (1)
reflection on performance, and (2) reflection on content. The information below will help you
understand what content needs to be placed in each of the sections.
At the end of the semester, these reflections will be compiled into your digital portfolio and
used as evidence to document your growth through Socratic circles. This portfolio will affect your final
grade in this class. Not having each of the reflections on our circles will result in a lower grade.
Also, because your final Socratic circle portfolio will ask you to show growth over time, it is in
your best interest to make sure that you date each and every one of your Socratic circle reflections and
identify the title of the text that served as the basis of discussion.

Reflection on Performance
This section will be divided into two paragraphs: (1) a description of how you performed as an individual
in the Socratic circle and (2) a description of how your group performed in both the role of the inner
circle and the role of the outer circle.

Group Performance:
During the third group discussion the inner circle had a very interesting and thought-provoking
discussion about Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience and they also compared Thoreau and Emmerson. In this
discussion a very interesting point that was made was that Emmerson is obsessed with Nature because
it is simple and makes him forget about the loss of his wife. It seems that ever since his wife has died, he
has lost faith in humanity. This is why he turned to simple things, like nature. Another topic that was
discussed was why Thoreau allowed himself to be imprisoned. In this discussion a point that really stood
out to me was something that Bella said was that Thoreau seemed to not care, he just “went with the
flow.” This was a very interesting point of view I did not think of.
One thing that this group did well was that they mentioned points that people could build off and
keep on adding. For example, Mason mentioned how conformity is not inherently bad, and other people
added to what Mason said. Some people opposed and some other agreed. Another thing this group did
well was that everyone got to share their ideas and no one was left behind in the discussion.
Individual Performance:
In this discussion I mentioned how humans tend to see beauty and divinity (God) in nature/the world
around us and how the stars are visible every night which means that God is ever present. Further in the
discussion, I also mentioned that Emerson’s discussion was very though provoking and really made me
think about how in some ways I sometimes conform to other peoples ideas. After that I shared how the
trait of nonconformity is very valuable because the people who do not conform to other people’s ideas
are those who end up changing the society. Something that I did well in this discussion was that I shared
new ideas that deepened the conversation. For example, I mentioned how people tend to conform to
the people around them without them realizing it. However, something that I would do differently is
that I would use more textual evidence to support my opinions, I only used evidence once and I felt like I
could have used more. Another thing I could have done better is building off of other people’s ideas,
most of the time I just shared my own and ignored what other people had to say. For the next discussion
I want to improve my usage of textual evidence and listening to other peoples opinions.
Reflection on Content
This final section will comprise three items:
(1) According to Emerson’s Walden, in order to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life one must
abstain from being materialistic and reconnect with nature.

(2) Some of the main points I would make in this “imaginary” essay is that in Walden Thoreau talks
about the idea that people do not own their possessions -- their possessions own them. He says that we
spend all of our time trying to get more stuff instead of enjoying and living life. Another point I would
make is that Thoreau lives in a cabin in the woods and he is self-reliant. Here Thoreau is reconnecting
with nature, which makes him feel more fulfilled. Another point I would make is that Walden repeats
the words “Simplify” over and over which suggest that everyone has things in their lives that they can
simplify to feel more fulfilled in their lives.

(3) In Emerson’s Walden, the author asserts the value of simplicity. He argues that living a minimal and
simple life has brought him happiness and fulfillment. In my own experiences I feel that in some cases
this is true. In todays world everyone values material goods, such as clothing, technology, and money.
However, these items do not bring people true happiness, in most cases it causes feelings of anxiety and
depression. A lot of people do not live very minimally and are bombarded with material goods, and
depression are at an all time high. It clear that this is associated with the rise of consumerism and social
media. Whenever I disconnect from the internet and go camping or go to the beach I feel complete. This
means that Emerson’s advice to simplify one’s life actually still holds true in today’s world and more
people should listen.

Checklist
Before turning in a reflection, use the following checklist to ensure you have included all the necessary
requirements to receive full credit:

______ One-to-two pages, single-spaced, 12-point font, typed

______ MLA Header: Your name, the teacher’s name, the course title and block, and the due date of this
reflection
______ Centered Title: Socratic Circle Reflection on [the subject of this particular Socratic circle]
______ One paragraph reflection on the performance of your group
______ One paragraph reflecting on your individual performance
______ A thesis statement for an “imaginary” essay on this text
______ One paragraph explaining the main points of that “imaginary” essay
______ One paragraph explaining the connections you made between the text and your own life